About 125 devotees were injured during the "violent festival" of Malamalleswara Swamy at Devaragattu and Neraniki in Holagunda mandal of Kurnool district on Friday night. Eight of the injured were reported to be in a serious condition and one person was shifted to the Government Hospital at Adoni.

The festival is celebrated on Vijayadasami day in the twin villages where a huge gathering of devotees, armed with clubs, indulge in violence as part of the religious ritual. The temple of Mala Mallamalleswara Swami is located on a hill surrounded by forests at Devaragattu. The idols are kept in the safe custody at Neraniki and taken to the temple, four km away, before the festival.

After Kalyanotsavam, the idol is taken out in a procession, which is known as `banni,' where violence is witnessed. The devotees from scores of villages in Aluru, Holagunda, Adoni mandals and neighbouring Bellary district in Karnataka "hit one another" with clubs during the procession which lasts till midnight.

The martial performance formally ends after the temple priest delivers the `karnik' (forecast) for the season. The injured persons are applied turmeric powder immediately and later treated in the make-shift medical camp. Most of the devotees suffer head injuries. This year some devotees suffered fractures.

Police helplessThe efforts of the police to put an end to the practice had been resisted violently in the past. A few years ago, devotees attacked a police party. The authorities now arrange emergency medical facility at the spot. The sale of illicit arrack during the festival is also contributing to the violence. The administration has no control over its sale. The violent procession is also used by gangs to eliminate rivals as no cases would be booked for the attacks.

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